Are green cellular base stations sustainable?

This study presents an overview of sustainable and green cellular base stations (BSs), which account for most of the energy consumed in cellular networks. We review the architecture of the BS and the power consumption model, and then summarize the trends in green cellular network research over the past decade.

What is a green base station solution?

The green base station solution involves base station system architecture, base station form, power saving technologies, and application of green technologies. Using SDR-based architecture and distributed base stations is a different approach to traditional multiband multimode network construction.

What should a base station do in a wireless communications network?

In a wireless communications network, the base station should maintain high-quality coverage. It should also have the potential for upgrade or evolution. As network traffic increases, power consumption increases proportionally to the number of base stations. However, reducing the number of base stations may degrade network quality.

Why is a base station important?

Environmental protection is a global concern, and for telecom operators and equipment vendors worldwide, developing green, energy-saving technologies for wireless communications is a priority. A base station is an important element of a wireless communications network and often the main focus of power saving in the whole network.

Does Ericsson have a 'green' base station design?

But the large equipment vendors too have got in on the act. Ericsson made a point of its green credentials at the recent Mobile World Congress, and launched a "green" base station design back in 2007. Its commitment extends from materials used in base station build, to the design and efficiency of the base stations themselves.

How do cellular network operators shift to green practices?

Cellular network operators attempt to shift toward green practices using two main approaches. The first approach uses energy-efficient hardware to reduce the energy consumption of BSs at the equipment level and adopts economic power sources to feed these stations.